Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has introduced a Digital Attestation System, allowing applicants to get their documents verified online without visiting government offices in most cases.
The new service became effective on October 12, 2026. The ministry formally announced the change through Circular No. Dir (CA&OP)/2026-Attest, issued on October 14 by Director Azeem Khan.
The system is available through MOFA headquarters in Islamabad and its liaison offices in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta and Gujrat.
The initiative aims to make document attestation easier, reduce waiting times and improve transparency.
Online Document Attestation Through MOFA Portal
Under the new system, applicants seeking general or apostille attestation can submit their documents electronically.
Once the required verification process is complete and the prescribed fee has been paid, applicants will receive an electronic attestation certificate, known as an e-Certificate, through email.
This means many applicants can complete the process from home instead of travelling to MOFA offices. However, some cases may still require applicants to appear in person. The ministry has directed officers to encourage electronic applications and help people use the new system.
Applicants can access the service through the official portal:
https://portal-attestation.mofa.gov.pk
Digital System Aims to Reduce Long Queues
Document attestation has traditionally required applicants to visit government offices, submit paperwork and wait for verification.
For people travelling from other cities, the process often involved additional expenses and repeated visits. The new digital system is expected to reduce these difficulties. It follows a model similar to the Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) electronic attestation service.
By allowing applicants to receive certificates through email, MOFA aims to improve access to consular services and reduce pressure on its offices.
FIA Investigation Into Fake Apostille Stickers
The digital system has been introduced amid an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption involving document attestation.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) previously raided consultancy and courier offices in the basement of F&F Plaza in Islamabad’s Aabpara area.
The FIA’s Anti-Corruption Circle registered a case against 22 individuals, including six MOFA officials and 16 private individuals.
Investigators alleged that the accused prepared and used fake apostille stickers while collecting money from applicants by promising faster attestation services.
Two MOFA officers were later arrested in connection with the investigation. However, the allegations have not been proven in court, and proceedings remain ongoing. The ministry has not officially linked the introduction of digital attestation to this investigation.
Applicants Advised to Use Official MOFA Website
Authorities and media reports have advised applicants to use the official MOFA portal rather than relying on private agents offering guaranteed or expedited attestation.
The digital service allows applicants to complete much of the process directly through the government system.
However, MOFA has not yet specified which categories of applications will still require physical attendance. The introduction of online attestation is another step towards digital government services in Pakistan.
For students, overseas workers, businesses and people preparing documents for international travel, the system could reduce unnecessary office visits and make document verification more convenient.
